Flintoff announces retirement

Andrew Flintoff has announced his retirement from all cricket after giving in to his long-standing knee injury.

Flintoff retired from Test cricket after last year's Ashes victory and underwent knee surgery straight away. He hoped to return to action this season, but that was ruled out last month and he then aimed for Twenty20 stints in Australia and the IPL. However, his latest meeting with the surgeon has led to what has long seemed the inevitable decision.

"It is with both disappointment and sadness that I am today announcing my retirement from all forms of cricket," said Flintoff. "The decision to end my career came yesterday after consultation with medical advisers. I was told that the problems I have been trying to overcome in re-hab for the last year following the latest in a series of operations would not recover sufficiently to allow a comeback.

"Having been told that my body would no longer stand up to the rigours of cricket, I had no alternative but to retire," he added. "I would like to thank my family, Lancashire Cricket Club, England, all my sponsors, friends and advisers for all the help and support they have given me throughout my career.

"Last, but by no means least, I am indebted to the encouragement and support I have always received from England's magnificent supporters. I will now be taking a break before deciding which future direction to take."

England's captain, Andrew Strauss, gave a warm tribute to Flintoff ahead of the third ODI against Pakistan at The Oval, the scene of Flintoff's last hurrah in the 2009 Ashes, when his direct-hit run-out of Ricky Ponting turned the tide of the decisive fifth Test. "I would just like to say on behalf of the England team we would like to congratulate Andrew on an outstanding career," he said. ""The impact he has had on English cricket has been immense.

"Of course, it is a sad day when somebody like that can no longer keep playing. But we would prefer today to celebrate everything he has achieved as an England cricketer.
"The biggest memories I will have of him are how incredibly able he was to make something happen out of nothing with both bat and ball.

"He was always the ultimate impact cricketer, somebody who on so many occasions stepped up to the plate. He would put his body on the line on flat wickets when other bowlers were maybe starting to struggle."

Flintoff finishes his career with a tally of 3845 runs in 79 Tests, at an average of 31.77 with five centuries and a best of 167 against West Indies at Edgbaston in 2004. He also claimed 226 wickets at 32.78, with three five-wicket hauls, the last of which came on an emotional final morning against Australia at Lord's in 2009. In 141 ODIs he finished with 3394 runs and 169 wickets respectively.

"Because of the way he bowled, and what he put into it, it was probably not as easy for him to get seven-fors and eight-fors," said Strauss. "But if you talked to other players around the world, they would always say Andrew was one of the bowlers they least wanted to face - because he could be so hostile. We are all striving to gain the respect of our peers. Andrew certainly did that."

Flintoff's former England team-mate, Graeme Swann, against whom he first played as a 10-year-old in the 1980s, admitted it was a sad day for English cricket, but suggested that the team had already moved on without him. "This team is bigger than any one individual, but it's nice when you do get an individual along whom the opposition fear and can win a game off their own back." he said. "I'm sure a lot of people around the country were looking forward to him coming back. If he can't, it's sad, but so be it."

"I haven't seen him for a while, so I don't know the extent of his injuries, but when you go a while without playing you start to think there's a reason for it," added Swann. "But it's a shame because any team with Fred in is a better side for it. But our team last year was very confident, and didn't need people going round and geeing up little quivering leaves in the corner."

The zenith of Flintoff's career was unquestionably the 2005 Ashes, in which he starred with bat and ball to topple the Australians and win back the urn after an 18-year hiatus. It was also, as Swann pointed, a summer that changed the profile of English cricket as a whole. "Itwas a pivotal moment for English cricket," he said. "The football was terrible at the time and everyone was watching cricket in a cracking summer.

"Suddenly Fred was a superstar and deservedly so for the way he played," added Swann. "He raised the profile of cricket, and out of the whole team he was the ultimate hero. He's always been the same, never shy to offer his opinion and be the playmaker of the team. That's why he was such a loveable rogue for the English public to get behind."

"I don't think anyone can put him up in the Botham stakes because Botham is the best allrounder we've had, but Fred changed the face of cricket if you like, because he's the first real celebrity that we've had for a long time. And that was all because he was a guy who could change the face of a game at the drop of a hat. His stats don't back that up, but everyone knows how world-class he could be on his day."

As well as missing his talents I feel professional anger with his untimely exit from the game. I have a been a sports physiotherapist for 40 years and treated very many professional sportmen in that time with safe effective conservative therapies. Of course I do not know the 'whys and wherefores' of Freddies original ankle condition, but if that injury had been correctly treated without the intervention of surgery (with effects that can never be undone), maybe he would not have had so much angst with the ensuing knee problems that finally ended his playing days.

This is good news, especially for Chennai Super Kings who need no longer waste $1.55 M. He was a highly overrated cricketer. I cant believe he was compared to the great Ian Botham.

POSTED BY
bjg62
on | September 17, 2010, 14:59 GMT

Always a sad day when one of the true legends of the game calls it quits. I always thought that out of all the modern day England players, he was the one that would easily fit into the Australian team. The last player player that fit that description was Sir Ian Botham so even if his statistical record doesn't show it, his attitude to the game and ability to lift his teammates did.

POSTED BY
on | September 17, 2010, 10:27 GMT

u r always a grt bowler and will be forever...we will miss u.. but also wait for ur decision change and again have u in the field. Really in my lifetime the best bowler i have ever seen was Andrew Flintoff whose name should be written in the golden letters in the history of cricket.....Hope u have the best life ever with ur family......... Sad day for me and urs fans
Love u ..............

POSTED BY
on | September 17, 2010, 9:30 GMT

hey freddie.. I am one of ur big fan. really disappointed by ur retirement. u shaud hav at least played this ASHES...! please continue plaaying at least for IPL. I want to see in action....!

POSTED BY
heartwinner
on | September 17, 2010, 9:23 GMT

AOA and Good Morning to everyone.Anrew Flintof, what a player he is, he is a legend cricketer of his country, i like him very much. More i have no words to say about legend cricketer..........I really miss him.

POSTED BY
Runster1
on | September 17, 2010, 8:54 GMT

Pity he couldnt end his career in a better shape...great english alrounder. If he had played for CSK in mint condition for champions league I reckon he would have easily led them to a CLT20 trophy

POSTED BY
jrcacupressure
on | September 18, 2010, 12:37 GMT

As well as missing his talents I feel professional anger with his untimely exit from the game. I have a been a sports physiotherapist for 40 years and treated very many professional sportmen in that time with safe effective conservative therapies. Of course I do not know the 'whys and wherefores' of Freddies original ankle condition, but if that injury had been correctly treated without the intervention of surgery (with effects that can never be undone), maybe he would not have had so much angst with the ensuing knee problems that finally ended his playing days.

This is good news, especially for Chennai Super Kings who need no longer waste $1.55 M. He was a highly overrated cricketer. I cant believe he was compared to the great Ian Botham.

POSTED BY
bjg62
on | September 17, 2010, 14:59 GMT

Always a sad day when one of the true legends of the game calls it quits. I always thought that out of all the modern day England players, he was the one that would easily fit into the Australian team. The last player player that fit that description was Sir Ian Botham so even if his statistical record doesn't show it, his attitude to the game and ability to lift his teammates did.

POSTED BY
on | September 17, 2010, 10:27 GMT

u r always a grt bowler and will be forever...we will miss u.. but also wait for ur decision change and again have u in the field. Really in my lifetime the best bowler i have ever seen was Andrew Flintoff whose name should be written in the golden letters in the history of cricket.....Hope u have the best life ever with ur family......... Sad day for me and urs fans
Love u ..............

POSTED BY
on | September 17, 2010, 9:30 GMT

hey freddie.. I am one of ur big fan. really disappointed by ur retirement. u shaud hav at least played this ASHES...! please continue plaaying at least for IPL. I want to see in action....!

POSTED BY
heartwinner
on | September 17, 2010, 9:23 GMT

AOA and Good Morning to everyone.Anrew Flintof, what a player he is, he is a legend cricketer of his country, i like him very much. More i have no words to say about legend cricketer..........I really miss him.

POSTED BY
Runster1
on | September 17, 2010, 8:54 GMT

Pity he couldnt end his career in a better shape...great english alrounder. If he had played for CSK in mint condition for champions league I reckon he would have easily led them to a CLT20 trophy

POSTED BY
on | September 17, 2010, 8:54 GMT

Its a sad end to a great Freddy's career. The World cricket has lost not just one, but two players in one go. Flintoff the batsman, and Flintoff the bowler. The loss of one of the finest allrounders in world cricket.

POSTED BY
baronsmirnoff
on | September 17, 2010, 8:47 GMT

won't miss him at all, he was at his best on the back pages of the pappers, on the field you never knew what you would get a good or average player, the only reason he helped win the ashes was he was picked over others who were equally as good
A hero? no way

POSTED BY
sumeet_77
on | September 17, 2010, 8:12 GMT

he was a great pillar of his team..............

POSTED BY
hnurbhai
on | September 17, 2010, 7:55 GMT

good he retired.. England has great players don't need that bloke around anymore and besides he was just another player nothing extraordinary..

POSTED BY
on | September 17, 2010, 7:04 GMT

yes , indeed a sad day for all true cricket fans. he was a terrific player, instrumental to give English cricket a new image after the Botham era, we will always remember him for the smile and sarcasm when he will be it for a boundary and then go back to his run up and deliver an un playable delivery. He hardly sledge at batsmen in a nasty manner like the Donalds or the McGraths, Freddie is a celebrity in india especially, He is so much the English player, he has that English rugby player look, he speak well , I see a great future for him as a cricket commentator, we will miss you Freddie, but again , you are leaving with a lot of great cricket moments and wish you all the best for your family and future. Thank you Freddie !

POSTED BY
diri
on | September 17, 2010, 6:56 GMT

Flinfoff is a decent player!!! not great
Kallis , Pollock and klusner are 3 off the best all rounders off all time!

POSTED BY
Lokesh_plr
on | September 17, 2010, 6:51 GMT

Flintofff.....The name itself suggest he is dangerous for the opposition. Really a sad news for the cricket lovers. I am from india and i like flintoff Bowling very much. Every time when he enters the field he has his own script for the differnt players to whom he is bowling....For ganguly....Bouncer towards ribbs, For sachin - Lenth balll that swings away with immense pace on ball, For Shewag --Yorker. like this he has a answer for most of the batsman. But the balll which he is dangerous for me is Inswinger that raises towards to the batsman to his chest height where none of the batsman has answer for it.

Anyway....we all miss you Andrew. we remember the shirt off scene for ever til we see cricket.

We all love u andrew....and we miss u a lot

All the best for ur rest of the life....Hope we see any new flintoff soon...so than we can recall him every time we watch .

POSTED BY
AndrewFromOz
on | September 17, 2010, 6:10 GMT

A worthy foe. Wish Freddy all the best for the future.

POSTED BY
ARIALROOT
on | September 17, 2010, 5:38 GMT

A VERY DISAPPOINTING NEWS ONE OF MY FAV. CRICKETER PLAYER ,ONE OF THE GREATEST ENGLISH ALL ROUNDER .WHAT A SAD END TO HIS CAREER. NO FAREWELL REALLY BAD.A FANTASTIC PLAYER THEN WHAT HIS AVERAGE SHOWS.WE WILL ALWAYS MISS U FREDDIE

POSTED BY
KaZsa
on | September 17, 2010, 5:15 GMT

I am a Sri Lankan. I always liked to watch Flintoff in the field. He always had that something about him which made the game more entertaining all the time.And a great talent he was.Fantastic cricketer.He could get the bowl up to the nose of the batsman with length deliveries.Although the stats doesn't show it,I think he is up there with the best all rounders of our time, along with players like Kallis.He was a great sportsman too,who always enjoyed the game to the fullest.So sad that we will not see him again in a cricket field.Good Luck Fred, you are a champion.

POSTED BY
Jethro77
on | September 17, 2010, 4:18 GMT

Flintoff was a certainly a very gifted all-rounder, although injury and drunkeness meant he never reached his true potential. He was one of the most decent blokes in Cricket, until about 2 years ago, when he seemed to become a little bit too in love with himself.

POSTED BY
BillyCC
on | September 17, 2010, 4:05 GMT

In many ways, Flintoff is very much like a VVS Laxman. Both perform and deliver when the pressure is on and when the team needs it. Their quality also can't be measured based on their stats. This is in stark contrast to a lot of players who perform at the wrong time for their teams, ie. when the team is 3/300 rather than at 3/30 or when you get tailenders out rather than top-order batsman.

POSTED BY
aussieump10
on | September 17, 2010, 4:01 GMT

for his talent his stats definitely aren't what they should be but he was a moment cricketer. I will always fondly remember his spell in the 6 day super test against Aus in Sydney 2005. Ponting and Hayden couldn't hit off the square, he was fast aggresive and short of a good length and terrorised both of these excellent batsmen. Nice one Fred.

POSTED BY
nataraajds
on | September 17, 2010, 3:53 GMT

Freddy, we miss your magic, world cricket miss another true alrounder, for sure he will join the great alrounders list - Botham, Hadlee, imran, kapil, akram and sobers. good luck freddy, have a peaceful life

POSTED BY
ksum006
on | September 17, 2010, 3:44 GMT

Finally, a man who knows how to retire gracefully!!

A sad loss to the game but awesome achievements on the way. Hopefully we see you coaching Freddy.

POSTED BY
mrcricketer011
on | September 17, 2010, 3:21 GMT

well of coarse, Freddy Flintoff was the greatest player that team England ever had. its bad to hear his retirement news as im the fan of english cricket and andrew flintoff, i was looking for his comeback in team. He was an exciting player to watch with his bat and moreover with the ball in his hand.His strike against Australia in ashes series 2005 and 2009 is remarkable and unforgetable.

POSTED BY
Re3UBCS
on | September 17, 2010, 1:52 GMT

One terrific bowler. Thank you for some great cricket sir.

POSTED BY
Jim1207
on | September 17, 2010, 1:40 GMT

Flintoff has so many negatives and positives and he didn't utilize his
opportunities and make more impact on English Cricket. I guess he must have
worked more to avoid injuries or conversely the injuries made him mediocre, I
can't be sure but something has prevented him much. He was also more egoistic
than aggressive which lifted him into a sporadic legendary successes. He once commented that Ganguly was behaving like a prince (Sure he was, in birth and in every sense) after a season with him in Lancashire, he didn't like anyone to overshadow him. But one good thing I remember was he bowled with his heart out in Indian spin-friendly pitches that the Indian batting legends respected his bowling every time. He surely was very talented but never showed his true class, either in county or international level consistently. He is just 32, he could have come back after a year of rest and training but he wouldn't - Had Media not hyped him much, I wonder he would have given a lot more!

POSTED BY
jtstriker9
on | September 17, 2010, 0:42 GMT

Well, what can you say about 'Freddie'? He was one of the only English players who performed when the pressure was really on!! Very few can claim that distinction. I'm not sure he will be missed in playing terms as the game has moved on without him, but his personality will always be cherished. A great bowler on his day and a brute with the bat. A top-class pressure player, thanks for the memories!!

On another note, would be nice to hear a comment from Ponting. The rivalry between those two was huge and you would have to say that Flintoff probably came out on top overall. Even Smith came out with a nice goodbye. Just shows how much class 'Punter' lacks......

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 23:04 GMT

May be he dont have much of stats ro support him, but he have left such an impact with his crickiting skills, no one can forget his name.(who ever are true cricket lovers atleast)

POSTED BY
CricketPissek
on | September 16, 2010, 22:49 GMT

he's either overrated or underrated by people, never properly 'rated'! one thing for sure, if you love playing the game, you love watching 'Fred' play. He was definitely a bowling allrounder, as his batting was maybe too casual to ever be brilliant. But he was capable of scoring test and ODI hundreds, and who knows, if he tightened up his technique, he could've scored many more.
Remember that people always include Sir Richard Hadlee as one of the 'Great' Allrounders of the 80s. Now, Flintoff was a MUCH better batsman than Hadlee who only scored 2 test centuries (incld 1 against the newbies, Sri Lanka in 1987)
So, let's give Flintoff his due. When he comes on to bowl he made things happen. When he came to the crease, there's always a chance of him biffing a few and changing the momentum of a game. The opposition is always aware of this. And above all else, he was ENTERTAINING.
I loved watching him play, and felt THAT'S the way I would love to play the game myself. He will be missed

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 22:41 GMT

:(very sad, a great bloke...met him at a bar, can drink like a horse...good luck to you mate...beefy, freddy can be said in the same sentence, legends!!!

POSTED BY
SulthanXI
on | September 16, 2010, 22:15 GMT

Flintoff is the best all rounder in the cricketer in the 2000's we will miss him for sure

POSTED BY
BillyCC
on | September 16, 2010, 21:20 GMT

Never really kicked on after the potential he showed in 2005. The 5-0 loss against Australia in 2006 really seemed to have affected him and was probably the turning point. Nevertheless, without his help, England would have not regained the Ashes back in 2009 due to his devastating spell at Lords. Fantastic big moment player, but not one of the greats in my opinion.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 20:24 GMT

who can ever 4get tht match against india wen flintof removd his shirt after takin the last wicket,who can ever 4get the heroics of flintoff in 2005 n 2009 ashes series,wat an entertainer,v r really proud of u freddie n all the best 4 future

POSTED BY
Arrow011
on | September 16, 2010, 19:42 GMT

Flintoff was more of a hero only when he played with the support of his English fans inside ENGLAND. Where did he perform well, partial success was in West Indies, or else nothing note worthy. Yes, ofcourse he was way ahead of Irfan pathan in allround abilities. Pedelo in West indies was also his game, he got drunk before a world cup game & was resuced from a lake. He wasnt greatly committed towards his sport. Anyway, he was a great hard worker, he played with all his might. He was a good player nevertheless.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 19:41 GMT

But he will play CSK for IPL-4

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 19:12 GMT

Freddie was a legendary man, a decent batsman, but a superb bowler and slip fielder, he is the kind of guy who makes the cricket world interesting and has created alot of excitment over the years. I never rated his batting, he rarely produced in a sticky situation, but the rest of his game was world class, he will be missed

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 19:01 GMT

Freddie wasnt the greatest allrounder for sure but der stil was smthing bout him

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 18:49 GMT

We miss you freddie:) ...All the best for your future endeavors:) ......

POSTED BY
MasterfulStars
on | September 16, 2010, 18:42 GMT

Flintoff is a terrific bowler. I have seen him bowl in a test match in chennai and he has one of the most terrific bowling actions. Tall and built well.. one of those bowlers who really tested the best. Sadly, he could nto achieve much at the international level. All the best for the rest of the life... Mr Flintoff.

POSTED BY
zenith.ground
on | September 16, 2010, 18:19 GMT

Freddie....
I hope India will also produce such a Gem kind of All rounder for Indian cricket. This Young boy I still remember the match against India at Eden gardens and his show....And can anyone forget his Ashes 2005 show. All rounder at his very best. sorry to see such an entertainer go but one day or the other it has to happen.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 18:14 GMT

:( sad ................. a brilliant cricketer......salute and all the best :)

POSTED BY
workywoody1
on | September 16, 2010, 17:58 GMT

He may have been a very exciting player and the nearest we have ever got to another Ian Botham but he showed what a selfish man he is to make that announcement today with the most exciting days domestic cricket for many years going on. Realistic people considered him gone already so now get gone!

POSTED BY
Fiona133
on | September 16, 2010, 17:58 GMT

Thank god for that. Hope this means people might stop talking about him.
Flintoff was a good cricketer but ridiculously overhyped. He seemed to have the ability to make people only see his triumphs and be blind to his failures and many average games. The media and those fans who only watch cricket outside the football season seemed completely in love with him, talking about his many come backs as the answer to all englands problems. That wasn't his fault, BUT I can never forgive him for selfishly wrestling the captaincy off Strauss back in 2006. That was the act of a man with a swollen ego, not the act of a team player, he could not put his ambitions aside for the good of the team. Strauss was clearly the better captain and a better cricketer and better man would have known this.
5-0 to Australia - that's Flintoffs legacy to English cricket and how I'll always remember him.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 17:54 GMT

Let me also say that without any doubt, he was the best English all-rounder since Beefy.

POSTED BY
cheeseburgers
on | September 16, 2010, 17:54 GMT

Big Freddie Flintoff!!! Powerpack pose

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 17:53 GMT

What a shame. Like the great Allan Donald said of him, Freddy was not an athlete.

POSTED BY
SONIAAFZAL
on | September 16, 2010, 17:43 GMT

another great player left the game....one of the great allrounder england ever produced & the world cricket has seen.. very sad... we al wil miss u FRED...wish u al the best for future...................

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 17:38 GMT

He'll be missed. Ashes 2005 became a historic event because of him.

POSTED BY
MaruthuDelft
on | September 16, 2010, 17:26 GMT

English media kept on hyping him; he was good only when he played in England; he never did well in Australia and India; in 2004/5 in South Africa he bowled well with average results; with the ball he kept hitting the deck from over 8 feet above the ground at over 90 mph but he never was an intelligent bowler like Botham; he had natural batting talent but not the brave heart like Botham who used to take apart even Dennis Lilly; on the whole he was just an ordinary cricketer; certainly not a great player; great players were great in their minds first supported by talent.

POSTED BY
vvvvvvv
on | September 16, 2010, 17:19 GMT

Saw him in the flesh at the Oval in 2000 get that 150 in the semis. Amazing, brutal hitting. Bad timing of the announcement, he could have waited until tomorrow to do it. No doubt Fairbrother and Chandler are wondering how they can milk their cash cow any further...

POSTED BY
BIBINCHIDAMBARANATHAN
on | September 16, 2010, 17:17 GMT

flintoff we miss u !!!!!!!!!!!

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 17:15 GMT

Andrew Flintoff, take a bow..

POSTED BY
BIBINCHIDAMBARANATHAN
on | September 16, 2010, 17:13 GMT

BEST ALL ROUNDER FOR OUR CHENNAI SUPER KINGS

POSTED BY
K.A.K
on | September 16, 2010, 17:12 GMT

Too bad you have to go this way. Thank you for your contributions to the cricket. Best of luck for future endevours. There are plenty of new roles to take up with many teams around the world. Ethics coach, fileding coach, etc. etc.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 17:02 GMT

Unfortunate! He wanted to be best limited overs cricketer in the world but didn't get chance to try achieve that. But for me the biggest lost was when he had to retire from test cricket. He was a fantastic fast bowler on his day, a skill that can only be fully displayed in longer format and makes test cricket special. Best wishes to him for future.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 16:44 GMT

Flintoff is certainly a Great Player. But to add misery to him he suffered more injuries than success... Overall Flintoff is a Great All rounder the World Cricket has Ever Produced after the lights of some Legends and Flintoff is also being added to the list of
Legends England has ever produced...... Proud of you man and to the success that you brought to the English Cricket....

POSTED BY
Ricky759
on | September 16, 2010, 16:43 GMT

Hastala Vista Freddy i gonna miss you ? do u know i have watch english match spaically becouse of you. by the way it seems people are comaring with you bothom but it seems you are most stylish player i have ever seen.

POSTED BY
MartinAmber
on | September 16, 2010, 16:41 GMT

Thanks for the memories and all that, yes. But I feel that, thanks to media manipulation, I have already paid tribute more than once. Once was enough for Bradman, Sobers and Botham, but not Freddie. Sorry, but the way in which Flintoff's career has ended has left a very sour taste. 2009 was all about preserving the media image with those ludicrous wicket poses and I was glad to see the back of him in the end. But the timing of this announcement is disgraceful. The most exciting day's county cricket in years and years, and he does this to blow them all off the back pages. Mark my words, that's why he announced it today - it fits perfectly with the way his agents have behaved in the last 2 summers. "Unthinking at best, crass at worst" (Mike Selvey, the Guardian).

POSTED BY
pianofan
on | September 16, 2010, 16:36 GMT

An overrated player. Not a great batsmen either, but did some heroic things and had some great games. All in all above average but not legendary

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 16:32 GMT

one of d greatest all rounder of english cricket ... he'll b missed surely .. !

POSTED BY
crali
on | September 16, 2010, 16:21 GMT

Best All rounder EVER!!!!!!

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 16:21 GMT

Undoubtedly He is the greatest English cricketer in last 30 years although the stats doesn't back him up.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 16:18 GMT

Sad but inevitable. He was never as great as he should have been but there were few things in cricket more pleasurable than watching him bustling in to bowl or seeing him take the long handle to the bowlers.
You'll be missed fred

POSTED BY
Saurs
on | September 16, 2010, 16:14 GMT

One more great Cricketer leaving game, "Sad"! I am an Indian supporter but I love watching game of cricketers who are 100% commited to cricket and he was one of them. Great Cricketer, tough opponent and true fighter. Thank you for commited game of Cricket! Wish you all the best for future. Hope to see you in IPL - are you thinking of it?

POSTED BY
_NEUTRAL_Fan_
on | September 16, 2010, 16:02 GMT

1 thing I will say about Flintoff is that he played with a lot of heart. I always felt that was able to punch above his weight and his charisma and presence was great for cricket on a whole, especially test cricket.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 16:02 GMT

one of the greatest all-rounders..
hes a legend

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 16:01 GMT

Right decision right time. At one time he was the best all-rounder. I am looking forward to see him as an umpire.
Goodbye and Get well soon.

POSTED BY
Stark62
on | September 16, 2010, 15:40 GMT

Good bowler, Pollard type batsmen and when people say he is the best all rounder Eng ever produced, it makes me laugh cuz Botham was much better!

Overall I think he was overrated as a batsmen and as a bowler but he was a good bowler but not a legendary one.

Very overrated player who was successful in 1 or 2 series's just like KP!

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 15:37 GMT

He is a legend........gonna miss him

POSTED BY
apaar.garg
on | September 16, 2010, 15:36 GMT

end to an overrated career. but yes one has to say that he did help england win the ashes in 2005 nd 2009

POSTED BY
valvolux
on | September 16, 2010, 15:28 GMT

shame he could never play enough to make a real mark. will be remember really for one series. to be honest i'd forgotten about him such was his small reign of good form....just as i suspect he will be soon forgotten as his stats dont hold a candle to half a dozen current all rounders let alone the greats. shame he was so arrogant in his celebrations - there seems to be a lot to like about him....he just got a bit full of himself.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 15:12 GMT

one of the greatest all-rounders

POSTED BY
shenoyragh
on | September 16, 2010, 15:07 GMT

Certainly Ian Botham of our generation.. Sad to hear this!! He announced his arrival just before the 1999 World Cup.. Now we have him retiring just before the 2011 World Cup.. Just get a feeling that this is just the start of Great players retiring from Cricket...

POSTED BY
MrFahd
on | September 16, 2010, 15:04 GMT

U're one of the greatest in this game who represented the englishmen!

POSTED BY
Zainu.Munawari
on | September 16, 2010, 15:03 GMT

"Freddie - The Hero Of Ashes 2005"

You are one of the idols & living legends of English Cricket.... You will be missed....

Wish you all the best for your future endeavours....

POSTED BY
Gocool87
on | September 16, 2010, 15:01 GMT

Oh..Man please don't go..

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 14:58 GMT

Congratulations to Flintoff on a great career! Unfortunately I'll remember you most for the shirt incident when Ganguly showed you up in '02.

POSTED BY
aubrmar3
on | September 16, 2010, 14:57 GMT

A personal salute to a great and honorable cricketer. Though my wife and I are West Indies fans and loyalists, we enjoyed watching you on the cricket field; great sportsmanship! When you ran out Ponting, my heart broke! But it was always a thrill to watch you play. You are one hell of a competitive cricketer! Thanks for the good memories and thanks for the autograph you gave me in Guyana. I wish you all the very best. Please don't leave the game entirely. Come back as a coach.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 14:54 GMT

One more All rounder of my times retires

POSTED BY
porshatom
on | September 16, 2010, 14:46 GMT

It's sad to see Flintoff leave cricket so early & I wish him the best in all the future. Flintoff was/is a great of cricket for the impact he made in his time. Test Match statisics only show half the picture, in 50 over cricket his numbers are amongst the best allrounders of the world. I can't help but feel many of Flintoffs detractors are merely just racists looking to put him down for his skin & hair colour. If he played for Bangladesh he would be treated much better & held in much higher regard. It's funny that often England were like Bangladesh & Flintoff was the difference between winning & losing. Flintoff was so important on so many occasions that Demi Gods like Sachin Tenduluker are really only just mere mortals in comparison.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 14:40 GMT

v will really miss andrew flintoff..............

POSTED BY
Aussasinator
on | September 16, 2010, 14:31 GMT

He was a giant of a player. It's not the statistics but the impact he had on the opposition, especially the Australians, who were visibly affected by his sheer presence on field. His histile, from the heart, pace bowling at high pace kept the opposition immobile and helped other Engalnd pacers get wickets, apart from his won. I dont remember any batsman comfortable against him from any country. he was one of a kind, whose compelling charisma and presence took 50% away from any opposition. I am sure every Australian player who played agaionst him would vouch for that, though not publicly. The awe was always there on their faces and every Aussie wished they could have had a Flintoff in their ranks. A SHANE WATSON TRIED TO FILL THE GAP BUT I THINK POOR WATSON WOULD ADMIT THAT HE DOESNT QUITE HAVE THE BOWLING AND MATCH WINNING ABILITIES OF FLINTOFF. THE THING ABOUT FLINTOFF WAS HE ONLY HAD TO STEP ONTO THE FIELD TO DIMINISH THE OPPOSITION'S CONFIDENCE. One of a kind. Salute!

POSTED BY
CricketFanRohit
on | September 16, 2010, 14:28 GMT

Cricket is fast losing its characters. In the last couple of years, we have seen so many retirements that it begs the question: Are we ever going to fill the gap that they have left behind? I believe the naughties was one of the best decades for cricket.
Freddie, I sincerely wish we could have seen more of you. It is because of players like you that cricket is so much more watchable. All the best for your future. I hope you will continue serving this great game in some way or the other.

POSTED BY
Amir_D
on | September 16, 2010, 14:18 GMT

Good cricketer but under achieved...should have lost weight and improved his bowling action.

POSTED BY
Vikram_Rathore
on | September 16, 2010, 14:14 GMT

Can't believe Flintoff has retired and will now be a 'veteran'. He was one of the most talent cricketers around... too bad that he did not do justice to his talent. He will be missed, not just by English fans, but the cricket lovers the world over.

POSTED BY
rakkkkiii
on | September 16, 2010, 14:13 GMT

can't beleive he has retired ! what a shame for cricketing world we all miss u freddie congratulations on ur wonderful career & god bless . might still see him playing in the ipl

POSTED BY
sarmas
on | September 16, 2010, 14:10 GMT

Flintoff an inspirational cricketer has been plagued by injuries during the past years and his retirement from all forms of cricket is not surprising.He has been inconsistent coming out with an occasional ,match winnning effort.

POSTED BY
ravirrs
on | September 16, 2010, 14:06 GMT

This is a sad news for World Cricket. We wanted to see him in action India ( WC 2011). we rather World cricket will miss you . But, thanks for the massive entertainment and we from India wish you the future.

POSTED BY
chibaken
on | September 16, 2010, 14:05 GMT

Forget the figures, we was undeniably a man for the moment with some hurculean efforts and moments of class.

There more charisma in his little finger than Abbas the hater below. Back in your box mate, let the man have his day.

You'll be missed Freddie.

POSTED BY
Behroz
on | September 16, 2010, 13:58 GMT

Sad end to a gr8 cricketer we will sure miss u freddie

POSTED BY
tanstell87
on | September 16, 2010, 13:54 GMT

Freddie Flintoff thrashing the Aussies in 2005 most memorable "Andrew Flintoff" moment for an Indian fan like me....everyone wanted England the number 2 test team in world cricket that time to beat Aussies...& Flintoff turned the tide in England's favour after first test at Lords...Australia riding high after winning in India in 2004 were done by brilliance of Flintoff & rest of Poms...Thanks for the memories Andrew...loved your rivalries with Yuvraj...hats off !!!

POSTED BY
R_U_4_REAL_NICK
on | September 16, 2010, 13:52 GMT

So much for Ian Chappell's idea of "a secret weapon against Ponting in the upcoming Ashes" then! LOL

POSTED BY
Apache_Indian
on | September 16, 2010, 13:51 GMT

Flintoff - A genuine all-rounder. I remember Gilchrist's interview; When asked the bowler(s) Gilly feared the most to face - Flintoff was one of them. Such was his impact. Good news for Aussies as there won't be any genuine all-rounder when Ashes will be played.

POSTED BY
FreddyForPrimeMinister
on | September 16, 2010, 13:50 GMT

If Freddie is remembered best for his heroics with bat and ball to help win the Ashes in 2005, it is the iconic photo of him with his arm around Brett Lee at the end of that Edgbaston thriller that will live with me forever. It proved that not only was he a great cricketer, he was a great man. Yes he made mistakes, principally through his excessive joie de vivre, but that's what made him so easy to relate to by the average guy - I mean, who hasn't got drunk on a pedalo at some time in their lives! I think the most telling tributes will come from his opponents (I look forward to hearing from Justin Langer) who both feared and loved him. The likes of McGrath will go down in history as a better cricketer, respected for his talent but never for his warmth and humility. Freddie was an inspiration to millions across the world and cricket is a poorer place without him. Thanks for the memories Fred.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:48 GMT

good bye freddie,for the wonderful moments u gave to world cricket !

POSTED BY
Apache_Indian
on | September 16, 2010, 13:47 GMT

What ? I can't believe it. ((((Big loss to World Cricket.)))) Will miss him.

POSTED BY
sandy_bangalore
on | September 16, 2010, 13:39 GMT

Numbers and averages are absolutely irrelevant when it comes to talking about people like Flintoff and Chris Cairns. He had that x factor about him, and there was always a buzz around when he was batting or bowling. And he was a match winner with both bat and ball, even if those moments werent that frequent. But I would watch him anyday over anyother workmanlike cricketer who has scored a few thousand more runs, or someone who has a superior average. He was magnificient for cricket, and one of the highlights of the noughties. Sad to see he wont be around for CSK as well.

POSTED BY
azid
on | September 16, 2010, 13:36 GMT

flintoof please do not do this we love you you are inspiration for us i am shocked when i hear this news plzzz play 2 years atleaest for your fans please

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:30 GMT

Probably among the over rated English players who shine in one or two series and then are given MBE

POSTED BY
arnabbunty
on | September 16, 2010, 13:25 GMT

Good Bye Freddie 4ever......

POSTED BY
Janakkumar11
on | September 16, 2010, 13:25 GMT

One after another....... first Bret Lee and now Freddie....... How the world of cricket going to compensate that..... truly glorious career Freddie....... Hats off to you..... you have been a great entertainer...... and very sad day for cricket..... All the best Freddie for future career....

POSTED BY
vichan
on | September 16, 2010, 13:23 GMT

Thanks for the memories, Freddie. We will never forget 2005.

POSTED BY
amit1807kuwait
on | September 16, 2010, 13:14 GMT

The final tally in the record of Flintoff suggests that he was an over-rated cricketer. But I guess numbers do not always reflect the reality. Flintoff was probably a better cricketer than his record suggests, and if that is true, that makes him an under-achiever. I would not take a call on whether he was an over-rated cricketer or an under-achiever. My abiding memory of Flintoff remains his provocation of Yuvraj Singh in the 2007 T20 World Cup which led to six sixes in the over of Stuart Broad!

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:13 GMT

miss you freddie, once in a generation player!!! crricket is poorer with out you!!!

POSTED BY
SurlyCynic
on | September 16, 2010, 13:12 GMT

He had good moments, like 2005, but a lot of inconsistency and lack of fitness (esp in early years) too. Would he have been as popular if he wasn't a 'big drinker / man of the people' type? Or if he was South African like KP?

Anyway, thanks for the memories and hope he finds something to keep him occupied (and occasionally out of the pub!) in future, would hate to see him go downhill as his celebrity fades.

POSTED BY
Allan716
on | September 16, 2010, 13:11 GMT

Will miss you Freddie! I followed you from that innings against Pakistan in the 3 one-day in 2000 where you scored that 80-odd. Since that day you have given us a lot to cheer about! To maul the Aussies was a special one for me!

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:10 GMT

YOU WILL always be one of my best player!!

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:08 GMT

flintoff will be dearly missed.What a humble cricketer.Hats off

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:04 GMT

The whole cricket world will miss u freddie... hope to see you atleast commentating in the matches!!

POSTED BY
JCrao
on | September 16, 2010, 13:04 GMT

We miss you fredy ... good luck for the future.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:02 GMT

Thts a huge loss to the modern day cricket to hv been seein another of the most lethal fast bowlers to b retirin... Jus love his action..... Luv u Freddie... PLz, consider playin in the IPL... :(((

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 12:54 GMT

flintoff though indisciplined, was one of the finest all rounder of world cricket..... now after he taking retirement... lukin forword to next!

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 12:54 GMT

flintoff though indisciplined, was one of the finest all rounder of world cricket..... now after he taking retirement... lukin forword to next!

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:02 GMT

Thts a huge loss to the modern day cricket to hv been seein another of the most lethal fast bowlers to b retirin... Jus love his action..... Luv u Freddie... PLz, consider playin in the IPL... :(((

POSTED BY
JCrao
on | September 16, 2010, 13:04 GMT

We miss you fredy ... good luck for the future.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:04 GMT

The whole cricket world will miss u freddie... hope to see you atleast commentating in the matches!!

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:08 GMT

flintoff will be dearly missed.What a humble cricketer.Hats off

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:10 GMT

YOU WILL always be one of my best player!!

POSTED BY
Allan716
on | September 16, 2010, 13:11 GMT

Will miss you Freddie! I followed you from that innings against Pakistan in the 3 one-day in 2000 where you scored that 80-odd. Since that day you have given us a lot to cheer about! To maul the Aussies was a special one for me!

POSTED BY
SurlyCynic
on | September 16, 2010, 13:12 GMT

He had good moments, like 2005, but a lot of inconsistency and lack of fitness (esp in early years) too. Would he have been as popular if he wasn't a 'big drinker / man of the people' type? Or if he was South African like KP?

Anyway, thanks for the memories and hope he finds something to keep him occupied (and occasionally out of the pub!) in future, would hate to see him go downhill as his celebrity fades.

POSTED BY
on | September 16, 2010, 13:13 GMT

miss you freddie, once in a generation player!!! crricket is poorer with out you!!!

POSTED BY
amit1807kuwait
on | September 16, 2010, 13:14 GMT

The final tally in the record of Flintoff suggests that he was an over-rated cricketer. But I guess numbers do not always reflect the reality. Flintoff was probably a better cricketer than his record suggests, and if that is true, that makes him an under-achiever. I would not take a call on whether he was an over-rated cricketer or an under-achiever. My abiding memory of Flintoff remains his provocation of Yuvraj Singh in the 2007 T20 World Cup which led to six sixes in the over of Stuart Broad!